Authorities reported that a fire at the neonatal unit of an Indian hospital resulted in the deaths of ten newborns, with an additional 16 fighting for their lives after a blaze attributed to a malfunctioning oxygen machine.
Building fires are frequent in India due to poor construction practices and a widespread neglect of safety standards.
The incident occurred around 10:30 PM (5 PM Irish time) yesterday at the Maharani Lakshmibai Medical College in Jhansi, approximately 450 km south of the capital, New Delhi.
Newborns saved from the fire, all just days old, were placed side by side on a bed in another area of the hospital as medical staff connected them to intravenous drips.
“Seven bodies have been identified, while three remain unidentified,”
police superintendent Gyanendra Kumar Singh stated, adding that the 16 rescued infants were receiving medical care.
He further explained that the fire likely originated from a piece of machinery designed to increase the oxygen levels in the environment.
“All the children rescued are safe and receiving medical assistance,” Mr. Singh confirmed.
“The fire was most likely caused by an oxygen concentrator catching fire.”
Mr. Pathak noted that a safety audit of the hospital was conducted in February, followed by a fire drill three months later.
“An investigation into the cause of the fire will take place,” he added. “If any negligence is discovered, strict action will be taken against those responsible, and no one will be exempt.”
According to broadcaster NDTV, 54 infants were present in the neonatal intensive care unit when the fire broke out.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the deaths as “heart-wrenching” in a post on the social media platform X.
“My deepest condolences go out to those who have lost their innocent children in this tragedy. I pray for strength for them to endure this tremendous loss,” he expressed.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared a compensation of 500,000 rupees (€5,600) for each affected family.
“The district administration and relevant officials have been instructed to conduct rescue and relief operations with urgency,” Mr. Adityanath shared on X.
“I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant peace to the departed souls and a swift recovery to the injured.”
This fire incident follows a similar tragedy six months ago at a children’s hospital in New Delhi, where six newborns lost their lives.
Authorities indicated that the New Delhi facility was improperly licensed and lacked adequate fire exits, leading to the arrest of a doctor and the hospital’s owner afterwards.
The May incident happened just hours after a fire claimed the lives of at least 27 people, including several children, at a crowded amusement park arcade in another region of the country.
